Allergy Testing in Eczema Atopic Dermatitis Psoriasis Memphis Dermatologist

George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (02/28/2024)

Eczema tends to benefit from moisturizers like Roathol Oil — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury counsels a patient about Eczema Atopic Dermatitis

The Fall and Winter can be miserably itchy times of year for people with Psoriasis and Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), but this doesn’t have to be! Let’s take a quick look at updates on the testing of and treatment of these conditions, my perspective being that of a Board-certified Memphis Dermatologist since 1993, with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, Cordova TN (8143 Walnut Grove Road, 1-901-753-0168; https://www.Rheumderm.com/dermatology).

The hallmark of Eczema is itchy dry areas — Eczema Atopic Dermatitis can present on a person's neck or arms and legs

First, do you have Eczema vs Psoriasis or Psoriasis vs Eczema? Eczema, also sometimes called Atopic Dermatitis, is a common cause of itching and rashes, often starting in childhood or adulthood, for up to about 10% of the population. Flares of eczema can be triggered by dryness, so moisturizers tend to help.

Psoriasis can be very dry and itchy — Psoriasis commonly presents on the elbows and knees

Types of Eczema include Nummular Eczema, with coin-shaped lesions on the arms and legs; Dyshidrotic Eczema, often itchy, sometimes blistered eruptions on the hands and//or feet. and Seborrheic Dermatitis, a type of scalp yeast infection that often responds to prescription antifungal shampoos.

Eczema is a genetically sensitive skin condition — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury counsels an Eczema patient

Psoriasis, on the other hand, is a genetically sensitive skin condition with often dry or itchy scaly areas on the elbows, knees, hands, and/or feet, affecting about 3% of Americans. Psoriasis can be Plaque Psoriasis, with dry areas about the size of a quarter, or Guttate Psoriasis, often presenting as a widespread eruption a week or two after a sore throat, or Scalp Psoriasis, with itchy areas in the scalp or dandruff sometimes associated with hair loss, or Pustular Psoriasis, with pus-filled lesions on the hands and/or feet.

Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis can present on just about any part of the body — Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury examines a patient's back

Diagnosis of Psoriasis vs Eczema can often be accomplished by the judgment of a Board-certified Dermatologist without testing. Sometimes, we consider doing a skin excision or skin biopsy to evaluate for certain tell-tale features under the microscope. Sometimes, we do what’s called an immunofluorescence biopsy to check for features of other conditions like Dermatitis herpetiformis, Lupus, or Dermatomyositis. Sometimes, we take a Fungal Culture to evaluate for infection.

Common chemical culprits include preservatives and fragrances — Dr. George Woodbury counsels an Atopic Dermatitis patient

Some flares of Eczema are triggered by an allergy to a chemical that’s come into contact with your skin: Contact Dermatitis. So, a type of Skin Allergy Testing called Allergy Patch Testing is sometimes helpful. Common culprits include certain preservatives, fragrances, components of latex, metals like nickel, and dyes. Since 2004, as a member of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, I’ve offered Extended Allergy Patch Testing through Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, Cordova, TN (www.Rheumderm.com), because at times, we can cure the itching by identifying a relevant chemical trigger causing an allergy.

Topical Steroid ointments like Clobetasol can be most helpful against itching and rash — Dyshidrotic Dermatitis commons presents on the hands

If your rash is spreading or worsening, Dermatologists often use prescription steroid creams and ointments, or sometimes steroid-free products like Atopiclair® or Eucrisa® Ointment, or injectable Dupixent®. We sometimes use a course of an oral steroid – prednisone – or else an injectable steroid shot. In 2024, for Eczema, we also now have a promising new steroid-free ointment - Opzelura® - ruxolitinib – affecting signaling cytokine chemicals - JAK inhibitors. Sometimes, we consider JAK inhibitor tablets – such as Abrocitinib (Cibinqo®) or Upadacitinib (Rinvoq®).

Psoriasis can itch or it may not itch — Psoriasis tends to present on the elbows, knees, and dorsal hands

Psoriasis, on the other hand, is a genetic autoimmune condition that can go hand-in-hand with patterns of Arthritis: Psoriatic Arthritis. 2024 has brought over a dozen effective injectable medications including Cosentyx®, Humira®, Enbrel®, and Remicade®, to join our traditional prescription steroid creams and ointments.

Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury counsels an Eczema patient — Getting Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis under control involves a patient/Dermatologist partnership

There are many other causes of skin rash and itching, including dozens of different skin conditions, such as Lichen Planus, Seborrheic Dermatitis, and even Acne, so if you or a family member has been suffering, consider seeing a “Dermatologist Near Me” or “Dermatologists New Me” today. My Memphis Dermatology practice is with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates (www.Rheumderm.com), 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018 (1-901-753-0168). Or you can find a Dermatologist closer to you by going to the American Academy of Dermatology website, AAD.org, then plugging your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.

HypoShea is a blend of Refined Shea Butter with water from the Memphis Sands — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with HypoShea Moisturizer Cream

I also serve as President of Big River Silk Skincare Inc., manufacturing and distributing gentle Shea Butter moisturizers: HypoShea™ Moisturizer Cream, Lotion, and Oil. The HypoShea line is free of dyes, perfumes, formaldehyde, and parabens, working well as a moisturizer for people with Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, and Psoriasis. Our motto is

SCIENCE SIMPLIFYING SKINCARE™. Check us out at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com (1-901-753-0168).